City water is scheduled to be shut off in the Robe River subdivision between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday July 29th for required maintenance.
Notices will be delivered to those impacted by the outage. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience.
Please direct questions and concerns regarding the outage to the City Public Works Department at 835-4473.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF), with contractor Specialized Pavement Markings Inc., will begin rumble strip installation Saturday, Aug. 8, on the Richardson Highway from Glennallen to just south of Fort Greely. Surveying will take place today through Saturday, Aug. 1.
This project will install edgeline rumble strips along various sections of the highway from Mile 115 through Mile 257 and will also include some asphalt repair. During the project, drivers can expect daytime delays with flagging and pilot car operations. Work is set to wrap up by the end of August.

(ANCHORAGE, Alaska) — The Seward Highway will close nightly from Mile 52-52.5, just south of the Hope Highway, 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from July 27 through Aug. 27. This closure will allow crews to work on installing a large cross pipe, which requires the entire roadway to be open.
Please note: The closures on the Seward Highway at Miles 99-100, just south of Bird Creek, will continue on Tuesday, July 28, and Thursday, July 30, also from 9:30-10:30 p.m. On these two days, the highway will be closed at both Mile 52-52.5 and Miles 99-100 from 9:30-10:30 p.m. We ask that drivers plan accordingly.

All meetings of City Council and School Board are held in City Council Chambers, broadcast on 1230AM KVAK and streamed LIVE on www.kvakradio.com

COAST GUARD RESPONDS TO GROUNDED VESSEL IN PRINCE WILLIAM SOUNDVALDEZ, Alaska – The Coast Guard responded to a 76-foot fishing vessel aground in Prince William Sound, Tuesday, July 14, 2015.
At approximately 3:00 a.m. Tuesday, the fishing vessel Copper Star ran aground on Hawkins Island just east of Canoe Passage with 4 people on board. No injuries were reported.
The bow of the vessel was punctured but no damage was reported to the vessel’s fuel tanks. The vessel has a fuel capacity of 12,000 gallons and was carrying approximately 150,000 pounds of fish at the time of the grounding.

Greg Brittenham (20 years with the NY Knicks) and Ken Murczek (Wake Forest Head Volleyball Coach) brought a plethora of experience and knowledge to Valdez student athletes last week. They conducted week-long camps open to 3rd through 12th grade students. Originally planned for Hermon Hutchens, attendance was so high; they moved the volleyball camp to Gilson Middle School and kept the basketball camp at HHES. More than 100 Valdez kids benifitted from the camps put together by Valdez High School Principal Rod Schug.

TSAINA OR TSINA - THAT IS THE QUESTION
There are not a lot of controversies in Valdez, but when it comes to the new sign on the Richardson Highway, Valdezeans have a lot to say. A sign recently erected on the Richardson Highway reads Tsina. According to the Department of Transportation there are several variations of the spelling of the river depending on the location. Tsina Glacier is 0.5 miles West of Tsina River and 19 miles NE of Valdez. Thirty four miles NE of Valdez is the Tsaina. Tsaina is an Ahtena Indian name meaning "bent (crooked) river” and was named by F.C. Schrader, USGS, in 1898. According to DOT, there was also a telegraph station established here in 1902 by the U.S. Army, Signal Corps. It was officially called "Saina."

After interviewing interim applicants June 30th, the Valdez City Council put together a contract to hire Mr. Robert Jean as interim City Manager. Jean will be available to begin work in Valdez on July 20th and is expected to act as City Manager until the Council hires a permanent replacement.

ADFG MAKES CHANGES TO 2015-2016 PWS BLACK BEAR HUNTING

Prince William Sound – For black bear hunters in Game Management Unit 6D, the 2015 – 2016 regulatory year has incurred some important changes. Based upon the Alaska Department of Fish & Game’s (ADFG) black bear harvest data from 1994 to 2014, the black bear population in Prince William Sound appears to be under duress, as witnessed in the steady decline of successful harvests from the 2007 peak season. In addition to the decline in harvests, the percentage of sows harvested has been over 40% since 2012 (target percentage is less than 20%). As a result, ADFG has elected to implement a registration hunt, in lieu of the long standing general season, for the 2015 – 2016 season to help foster conservation and regeneration of the black bear population to a healthy and sustainable state.
Beginning in fall 2015, permits will be available online at the ADFG website or in any ADFG office. Hunters will have five days to report their harvest, and 30 days to seal the bear. For Unit 6D, the black bear harvest for the season will be 200 bears, and once the quota is achieved the season will immediately close and all hunters notified (via the email provided upon registration).

All meetings of City Council and School Board are held in City Council Chambers, broadcast on 1230AM KVAK and streamed LIVE on www.kvakradio.com

COUNCIL VOTES ON FUNDING WARREN MILLER FILM SERIES ABOUT VALDEZ TONIGHT

Warren Miller Entertainment is considering funding a film shoot called "Kings & Corn". The adventure is being able to fish for King Salmon and Ski/Snowboard in the same day. Warren Miller has proposed a $45,000 local buy in for Valdez. The details of the arrangement can be reviewed by clicking the link below.

Chad and Regina Blood welcomed a new member into their family. On July 2nd at 4:47am Theron Gale Blood came in this world. Theron was weighed 8lbs 14.5oz and was 20.5 inches long. Siblings are Warren and Maun Blood.

Ole Gregers Wietfeld came into this world on June 25th at 6:31pm. He weighed 9lbs .9oz and measured 22 inches long. His parents are Rachealle Addun and Shane Wietfeld.

On Thursday, June 30th at 9:01am Damien Nickoli James Sr. and Ashley Rene James welcomed a new arrival to the town of Valdez. Skully Lemmie James came into this world weighing 8lbs .6oz and measured 20 inches long. His siblings are Ezekiel Duncan and Jezelle Eskilida.

COMMENTS DUE JULY 27th ON ADF&G PLAN

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game just released its "Division of Sport Fish Strategic Plan for 2015-2020. The document outlines ADF&G's mission, vision, functions, organization snapshots, regions, funding, and goals. Public comments on the plan are due by July 27th.

Valdez was recently featured in an article done by weather.com, “Amazing Road Trips To Take In Every State.” The article discussed the scenery that can be viewed by travelers on the Glenn and Richardson highway from Anchorage to Valdez.

For Immediate Release:
The Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities has approved the substantive change of Prince William Sound Community College to move under the accreditation of the University of Alaska Anchorage. The change brings to an end a process that began over a year ago with NWCCU recognizing and approving the following actions approved by the UA Board of Regents:
· Prince William Sound Community College will now become one of four Community Campuses of the University of Alaska Anchorage;

· Prince William Sound Community College will be formally renamed as Prince William Sound College and will no longer be separately academically accredited;

· Over a three-year period, the academic courses and academic programs of Prince William Sound College will be revised to align with similar courses and programs of UAA

The Valdez City Council will hold a work session Tuesday, June 30th beginning at 5:30 pm. Materials (resumes) for the Work Session are available on the City website. The Council has allotted 45 minutes to speak with each candidate individually via teleconference.

Discharge of Fireworks within the City Limits of Valdez is restricted to:
10pm - Friday, July 3rd through
11:59pm - Saturday, July 4th
Valdez Municipal Code Section 9.12.070

The Chief of Police may revoke permission where the health and safety
of a person may be endangered.

EARTHQUAKE FELT IN VALDEZAlaska Dispatch (06-24-15) - A 5.8-magnitude earthquake Wednesday afternoon centered about 60 miles west of Willow rattled Alaska from the Kenai Peninsula and Anchorage north to Fairbanks.
“Thought a moose was headbutting my camper,” Becky Woltjer, 35, wrote on Facebook from the home in Willow she shares with her husband and 3-year-old son.
The earthquake struck around 2:30 p.m. about 70 miles below the earth’s surface. Its center was about 20 miles south of that of the 6.2-magnitude earthquake that jostled the state in September 2014, according to Michael West, state seismologist at the Alaska Earthquake Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

COAST ESTABLISHES FIREWORKS SAFETY ZONE
VALDEZ, Alaska – The Coast Guard will establish a temporary 200-yard safety zone around the Valdez Spit on Saturday July 4, 2015. To ensure the safety of the public viewing this year’s City of Valdez 4th of July fireworks display, as well as the safety of mariners transiting the Port during the display, the Coast Guard has established a temporary safety zone encompassing the navigable waters within a 200-yard radius of the terminus of the Valdez Spit.

ADOT&PF SEEKS PUBLIC REVIEW OF 2015-16 WINTER FERRY SCHEDULE(JUNEAU, Alaska) – The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities proposed Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) schedule pattern for fall, winter and spring 2015-2016 is now available online for public review. This is an opportunity for communities to review and comment on the proposed schedule in consideration of community events.
Written comments will be accepted prior to July 21 via email at dot.amhs.comments@alaska.gov and by fax at 907-586-8365

Valdez, AK – High fire danger from a combination of warm weather and lack of rain exists throughout Southcentral and Interior Alaska.
The Valdez Fire Department continues to monitor the weather in and around the city. A burn ban or prohibition of Independence Day fireworks may be instituted if the fire danger is too high.
“With our current dry conditions, simple actions like leaving a campfire or burn pile unattended or flicking a cigarette butt out of a car window could easily lead to devastating consequences for our community”, said Chief George Keeney of the Valdez Fire Department. “We ask that residents and visitors use extreme caution with any open fire.”
Under City code, burning of brush or trash within City limits requires advance permission from Police/Fire Dispatch by calling (907) 835-4560. Requirements for controlled burning can be found on the City’s website at www.ci.valdez.ak.us.
Discharge of fireworks within Valdez City limits is restricted to 10:00pm on July 3rd until 11:59pm on July 4th. Fireworks not only pose a fire danger in dry weather, but also have a tendency to cause physical injuries. Children should never be allowed to play with fireworks. The Chief of Police may revoke permission for fireworks use where the health and safety of a person may be endangered.
Residents and visitors are asked to immediately report signs of fire or smoke to Valdez Police/Fire Dispatch by dialing 911. The City’s Public Information Office will issue a press release and post notices if a burn ban or fireworks restriction occurs.

LEVITATION 49 MAKING HEADWAY

With the summer in Valdez well underway, visitors and locals are busy experiencing the great outdoors and terrain the Valdez area has to offer. Levitation 49 is a new non – profit organization founded by Nick Weicht and Lee Hart to grow the economy of Valdez through outdoor recreation. The group is working to clear and maintaining hiking trails as well as create new trails and experiences for locals and visitors. Weicht and Hart have spoken before to the City Council in hopes of getting support. With Levitation 49 has released a survey to the public to solicit input on what people would like to see happen recreationally in Valdez. You can find and take the survey on their Facebook page.

Valdez welcomed a new member to its community this past week. Amelia Jayne Poudrier came into this world on Thursday, 18th at 7pm. She weighed 6 lbs 10oz and was 20 ½ inches long. Her mother is Kortnie R Williams.

4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS

Discharge of Fireworks within the City Limits of Valdez is restricted to:
10pm - Friday, July 3rd through
11:59pm - Saturday, July 4th
Valdez Municipal Code Section 9.12.070

The Chief of Police may revoke permission where the health and safety
of a person may be endangered.

Continued excavation of overburden east‐west along Hotel Hill and peat from south side.

Wiggle wagons continued hauling peat and unusable soils to dispose at Meals Hill.

Wiggle wagons continued hauling usable material to Sea Otter parcel for raising the grade and stockpiling for future processing and/or fill at the Project.

Side‐dumps continued hauling overburden to the Landfill for fill and cover material.

Placed D‐1 on access road to Meals Hill disposal sites and to repair potholes on City streets.

Advanced Blasting conducted several test blasts and continued drilling for placement of explosives to blast the bedrock at east and south locations, and an outcrop on cut slope along top of Hotel Hill. Unless noted, photographs are by EMC and ARCADIS.

All meetings of City Council and School Board are held in City Council Chambers, broadcast on 1230AM KVAK and streamed LIVE

VALDEZ POLICE REPORTTrespassing (06-07-15): A woman running around the Gilson Middle School track refused to leave when requested by an employee. An officer advised the runner that the track was closed for resurfacing. After a lengthy discussion, the runner eventually left the track.

TEN DAY HALIBUT TOURNAMENT BEGINS JUNE 12th
VALDEZ, Alaska – Early season halibut fishing will get a boost mid-June as anglers converge on Valdez in hopes of being the angler to catch the largest halibut June 12th through 21st in the Halibut Hullabaloo. Organizers of the Valdez Fish Derbies are offering a prize of $1,000 and say they started the tournament a few years ago to promote halibut fishing before the silver salmon hit the Port. One of the committee members suggested making a big hullabaloo about Halibut and the tournament was born. There is no fee to fish in the Halibut Hullabaloo Tournament. Anglers will just need a valid Valdez Fish Derbies ticket for the day(s) they fish. A daily halibut derby ticket is $10 and a season ticket for the halibut derby is $50.

VALDEZ IS WHERE FAIRBANKSANS GO TO CATCH BIG FISHNewsminer (06-01-15) – Valdez is 366 miles south of Fairbanks, but it's a common destination for Interior Alaska sports fishermen in search of the ocean's bounty, especially halibut and salmon.
Halibut are white, buttery-tasting flatfish that can grow to more than 350 pounds in Gulf of Alaska waters near Valdez. The area also hosts five species of Pacific salmon. Two of the most popular are red salmon, also known as sockeye salmon, are known for their rich, bright red meat. The king salmon, also known as chinook salmon, can grow to more than 90 pounds.

VALDEZ TRAILER EXPLOSIONUPDATE: For immediate release 05/29/2015 9:00 a.m. Valdez, AK – City of Valdez Fire and Police Departments responded Wednesday to an explosion in the Aleutian Village Trailer Court.
At approximately 8:30pm Wednesday, City Fire and Police Dispatch received a report of an explosion and smoke coming from a trailer home at Lot 34 of Aleutian Village.
City emergency personnel responded immediately and found no active fire upon arrival. Firefighters observed flash damage to the home’s bathroom as well as heat damage underneath the trailer. Debris from the bathroom’s window was also found in an adjacent vacant lot. Fire Department personnel secured the home’s propane tank as a safety precaution.
No injuries or damage to neighboring properties were reported.
Upon investigation, Police Department officers found the trailer home’s resident, 55 year old Richard Ayotte, had been utilizing liquid butane fuel as a solvent to extract active components from dried marijuana in the form of hash oil. This extraction process is legal under current Alaska state law.
During the process, Mr. Ayotte utilized a hot water bath to evaporate the butane fuel from the mixture. Butane vapor is flammable and highly explosive in a confined space and appeared to have ignited causing the explosion.
Nineteen mature marijuana plants were also found in Mr. Ayotte’s residence. The Palmer District Attorney directed police seize the plants and retain them at the Police Department until further notice. No arrests have been made in the case as of Friday morning.

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGMonday, June 1st, 2015
at City Council Chambers
Worksession – 5:30
Permanent Fund Managers Report To Council

Regular Meeting –7pmItems include:

Approval to Purchase a 2015 Caterpillar 450F Backhoe Loader from NC Machinery in the Amount of $183,517

Approval to Purchase a 2015 GMC 3500 Double Cab 4wd Service Truck from Alaska Sales and Service in the Amount of $48,699.68

Approval of Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity Renewal for Valdez Yellow Cab

All meetings of City Council and School Board are held in City Council Chambers, broadcast on 1230AM KVAK and streamed LIVE on www.kvakradio.com

VALDEZ GRADUATE EARNS BP PRINCIPALS SCHOLARSHIP
Kathryn Keeney, a graduating high school senior from Valdez High School is a 2015 BP Principals Scholarship winner. She will receive a $4,000 scholarship and is among 25 winners of the BP Principals and Commissioner Scholarship program state wide. Since 1985, BP has awarded more than $3.5 million to 775 Alaska students who have excelled in academics and community service.

NEW ARRIVAL
Emma Lynn Kinnen came into this world on May 22nd at 6:54am. She was 6lbs. 5.5oz and was 18 ¾ inches long. Her parents are Taylor Davids and Jackson Kinnen.

Valdez, AK – The City of Valdez Fire Department responded to a report of an electrical fire at Safeway Tuesday afternoon.
At approximately 2:09pm, City Fire and Police Dispatch received a report of a strong electrical odor in the kitchen area of the Valdez Safeway grocery store. Fire Department personnel responded within minutes and evacuated the store as a precaution.
Responders discovered a small electrical fire in Safeway’s baking oven, with light smoke being circulated into the store through the air intake system. Fire department personnel secured electricity to the oven.
No injuries were reported and the store was cleared to reopen at approximately 3:19pm. Electricity to the oven will remain secured until repairs can be made.

BLASTING BEGINS FOR NEW HARBORValdez, AK – Blasting operations will commence at the Valdez New Harbor construction site Friday as part of the Phase One Uplands development project.
Blasting will occur daily from May 29th through October 1st between the hours of 7:00am and 11:00pm. Exact blast times will be scheduled to minimize impact to pedestrian and vessel traffic, as well as local business operations and community events.

DOCK POINT INCIDENTValdez, AK (5-22-15 9:45pm) – City of Valdez emergency personnel responded Friday evening to a report of a person who fell approximately 70 feet off a cliff adjacent to Dock Point trail.
At 6:36pm Friday, Valdez Police Dispatch received a medical assistance request for a 17 year old female who sustained life threatening injuries after falling approximately 70 feet off a cliff into Port Valdez. The young woman’s friends rescued her from the water, but were unable to move her from the shoreline due to the extent of her injuries.

LAST FRONTIER THEATER CONFERENCE
The Annual Last Frontier Theatre Conference is coming up on June 14-20, 2015. Now in its twenty-third year, the event draws hundreds of participants yearly. While a majority comes from within the state, there are also many participants from the lower 48 and beyond. The farthest travelers this year include a playwright from Greece and an actor/producer couple from Australia.
The teachers signed up for the program represent some of the best in the country. David Auburn, Pulitzer-winner for his play Proof, is attending for the first time, as is Nan Barnett, the Executive Director of National New Play Network, the country’s alliance of more than 75 theaters with a dedication to the development, production, and continued life of new plays (www.nnpn.org).

THE BUSHPLANE OLYMPICS“In Valdez, Alaska, the prize goes to the airplane that takes off and lands in the shortest distance.” www.airspacemag.com – After returning to the field, Breeden brings the airplane in low and impossibly slow. On his first run, he’d landed so hard that the PA announcer joked, “Bobby no longer has a spine.” On this, his second and final try, he again bounces the landing, then feathers the brake so deftly that the tail remains raised until the airplane comes to a full stop. Total distance: 55 feet. “I once landed shorter than that,” an old-timer says. “In a helicopter.”
With a combined distance for the takeoff and landing of 116 feet—116 feet!—Breeden retains his title, beating a number of skillful pilots who are also flying Super Cubs. But unlike most of his competitors, Breeden doesn’t have tens of thousands of hours in his logbook and grizzly bear trophies on his wall. He’s a baby-faced 20-year-old college junior studying drone technology at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida.

3 DOORS DOWN ANNOUNCED AS FINAL 2015 FAIR CONCERTTickets on Sale Friday, May 29 at 10amPalmer, Alaska – 3 Doors Down, with special guest 10 Years, is the final performer confirmed for the Alaska State Fair’s 2015 AT&T Concert Series at the Kendall Toyota of Anchorage Borealis Theatre. The bands will perform Thursday, September 3 at 7pm. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 29 at 10am.
With smash hits like “Kryptonite,” “When I’m Gone” and “Here Without You,” Grammy-nominated rock quintet 3 Doors Down has sold 16+ million albums and earned two American Music Awards and five BMI Pop Awards, including BMI’s coveted Songwriter of the Year award.

HALIBUT DERBY STARTS THIS SATURDAY IN VALDEZ
VALDEZ, Alaska – Warm weather and an early Spring have given Valdez charters and boat owners an opportunity to get their boats into the water and get fishing a bit early. Harbormaster Jeremy Talbott said he has seen a lot of private boaters hitting the waters to set pots for shrimp and has already seen two 75 pound halibut come across the docks.
Charter Captains in Valdez are also preparing for a busy season as anglers have high hopes of being the winner of the $15,000 first place prize in the Valdez Halibut Derby. A ticket costs $10 for the day or $50 for the season and must be purchased before heading out on the water.

Regular Meeting –7pmItems include:
1. Acceptance of the 2015/2016 Valdez City Schools Budget
2. Approval of Change Order with DOWL in the Amount of $12,000 for the 10 Mile Material Site Analysis
3. Approve Award of Contract to Curtis Electric / Apex Technical Services (Joint Venture) for VCT North Star Warehouse Upgrades in the Amount of $66,620.50

All meetings of City Council and School Board are held in City Council Chambers, broadcast on 1230AM KVAK and streamed LIVE on www.kvakradio.com

LOCAL VALDEZEAN NEEDS HELP
Richard Fraley was diagnosed with 4th stage lung cancer and is fighting for his life in Anchorage. An account has been set up at Wells Fargo to help he and his wife, Linda, with travel and living expenses. Richard is a veteran and has been a loyal friend to Valdez, so if you would like to help out, a donation can be made at Wells Fargo.

PWSCC STUDENT PRODUCED FILM FEATURED IN WEB ARTICLE

The PWSCC film class travelled up to the Tailgate event at Thompson Pass this past April. The students were present for the weeklong event and filmed the different events and festivities in Thompson Pass. The final video from the class was recently featured in an article summarizing Tailgate Alaska 2015.

Snowboarding.transworld.net - Tailgate Alaska 2015 wrapped up on Thompson Pass, completing the eighth annual edition of the now legendary big mountain festival. The legend of Thompson Pass riding is not hype, according to snowboarding legend Jamie Lynn who rode in the area around base camp, “It’s like taking 100 powder days and combining them into one run.” Bryan Iguchi agreed, “I had the best turns of my life today.”

Riders from 16 countries descended on Valdez, Alaska on April 3rd for the ten daylong event – and were greeted by the best snow conditions Alaska has seen in recent memory – and in the history of the event. In addition to direct access to the peaks that tower over base camp, Tailgate Alaska had free daily snow science classes, speakers, a FM radio station (The Weagle 90.7 FM), an 8 man rescue team, on site medics, special
parties and events.

NEW ARRIVALOn May 13th at 11:52pm, Paul Cosgrave entered this world weighing 7lbs. 10.6oz and was 20 inches long. His parents are LynLyn and Edward Cosgrave.

DAN CUDDY, HEAD OF FIRST NATION BANK, DIES AT 93
Dan Cuddy, who presided over First National Bank Alaska for more than six decades, died Tuesday in Anchorage, according to bank officials. He was 94 years old.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS TORCH RUN
This past Sunday the local 2015 Special Olympics were held at the new track with a BBQ at the Eagles Lodge following the event. It was a very good weekend for Special Olympics Valdez Copper Basin. Leigh the Torch Run raised $2575.50 this year and had 3 Valdez law enforcement runners, 9 Special Olympics athletes, and 15 community runners. The Torch Run had support from the Valdez Police Department, Alaska State Parks, Eagles Lodge, Eagles Auxiliary, Mountain Sky Hotel, Connecting Ties, Valdez Subway, Steve Radotich (MC) and the amazing and generous communities of Valdez and the Copper Basin.

DERBY FEATURES BIG CASH PRIZES

The Valdez Halibut Derby is slated to begin Saturday, May 23rd. With the purchase of a $10 daily ticket or a season ticket for $50, derby anglers have a chance of winning a $15,000 cash prize if they catch the largest halibut in the derby. Anyone who purchases a Valdez Fish Derbies ticket will be entered in a drawing for $10,000 whether they go fishing or not. For more information on the derbies, visit www.valdezfishderbies.com

VALDEZ MUNICIPAL ELECTION

The City of Valdez held the municipal election this past Tuesday. A total of 761 ballots were cast out of a possible 3,053 registered voters. The voters elected three new city council members and two school board members. New City Council members are Ryan McCune, Lon Needles, and H. Lea Cockerham. There were only two candidates for School Board. Both Dolores Gard and Kathleen Todd will return to the School Board. School board members are scheduled to be sworn into duty on Monday, May 11th. New City Council members will be sworn in during the council meeting on May 18th.

Red Bull web episodes “Blue Print 2” featured the town of Valdez, Alaska and the snowboarding that takes place in nearby Thompson Pass with professional snowboard legends Jamie Lynn and Bryan Iguchi.

Redbull.com - Episode 8 of Blueprint 2 finds Pat Moore taking on the Alaskan alpine experience with two snowboarding legends: Jamie Lynn and Bryan Iguchi. The crew is on a springtime trip to the storied steeps of Valdez, Alaska, where Moore sums up the perfect conditions in six words: “It is THE place to snowboard.” Bryan Iguchi agrees: “There’s just an energy here that’s bigger than words can describe.” The remote area allows the crew to disconnect and focus on the powerful beauty of their surroundings.

On May 7th at 11:07pm Kit and Jamie Winchester welcomed Phoebe Anne Winchester into this world. She weighed 6lbs. 11.5oz.

On the evening of May 8th at 7:22pm, Mateo Joshua Major came into this world at 7lbs. 8oz. His parents are Jared Major and Anita Lopez.

Preliminary Election Results – City of Valdez
Regular Municipal Election – Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Final results will be available Wednesday, May 6th after election officials count question and absentee ballots. Due to mechanical malfunction feeding 3 ballots, Precinct #1 will also be re-confirmed Tuesday night. KVAK will post final results as soon as they are available

For additional information, please contact the City Clerk's office at (907) 834-3468

CITY COUNCIL AND SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES
Election Questions were mailed and e-mailed to all candidates for City Council & School Board. The answers in this publication are the printed exactly as received by KVAK.

All meetings of City Council and School Board are held in City Council Chambers, broadcast on 1230AM KVAK and streamed LIVE on www.kvakradio.com

NEW HARBOR CONSTRUCTION TRUCK TRAFFIC ROUTE:
EXCAVATION OF HOTEL HILL
The City of Valdez has released a press release concerning the traffic on the construction site of the new harbor. The contractor will haul material to four disposal sites: Airport Road, Landfill stockpile, Sea Otter site and Meals Hill. Two main routes for construction trucks will be used, thus shortening overall construction by 6-8 weeks and greatly reducing truck traffic congestion on all roads.
Hauling construction will begin in May and continue through September 2015. Crews will work 7 days a week, 7am-7pm. All construction traffic to Meals Hill (secondary route on the attached graphic) will be complete by June 26, 2015.

CITY COUNCIL ENDS EMPLOYMENT OF CITY MANAGER JOHN HOZEY
On Monday night, April 20th during their regular meeting, the Valdez City Council held an executive session to conduct the City Manager’s annual evaluation.
Following executive session, Valdez City Council reconvened to discuss the results of the evaluation.
“Council decided to move the City of Valdez in a different direction,” said Mayor Larry Weaver. “At 10:15pm on Monday, a vote of four to three ended the employment of the Valdez City Manager, Mr. John Hozey, effective 5pm on Tuesday, April 21st. Council Member Knight made the motion, seconded by Council Member Moulton to terminate the services of the Valdez City Manager John Hozey effective 5pm Tuesday, April 21st and appoint Assistant City Manager, Todd Wegner to serve as acting City Manager.Council Vote
Mayor Weaver – Nay
Council Member Shirrell – Nay
Council Member Wells – Nay
Council Member Smith – Yay
Council Member Moulton – Yay
Council Member Knight – Yay
Council Member Fleming - Yay

STATE RECORDERS OFFICE TO CLOSE IN VALDEZNewsminer (4-14-15) - KODIAK, Alaska - The Alaska state recorder's office in Kodiak is among six offices from the agency that are expected to be closed because of budget cuts.
Kodiak radio station KMXT (http://is.gd/noUdiR) reports the office certifies property purchases.
Alaska has 34 recording districts. The districts are served by 11 offices, which will be decreased to five offices.
Alaska Department of Natural Resources spokeswoman Elizabeth Bluemink says the department faces a net loss of 81 positions.
She says six of those positions are in recorders' offices, most of which are staffed by one person.
The other expected recorder's office closures are targeted for Bethel, Homer, Ketchikan, Sitka and Valdez. Five locations to remain open are Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Kenai and Palmer.

YAKUTAT AND VALDEZ STUDENTS TO VIEW SERVS OPERATIONS
Crowley in cooperation with Alyeska, Yakutat/Valdez School District, Yakutat/Valdez Native Tribe are sponsoring six Yakutat and four Valdez, Alaska Native Middle School Students to tour the operations of Crowley and SERVS this week. Their intention being to provide an “eye opening” experience as to what opportunities there are right here in Valdez in the maritime field. Crowley and Alyeska are committed to providing opportunities for Alaskan Natives and welcome the students of Yakutat to the community.

SIX MORE FAIR CONCERTS ANNOUNCEDTickets Go on Sale Friday, May 1 at 10am

Palmer, Alaska – The Alaska State Fair is pleased to announce six additional performers confirmed for the 2015 AT&T Concert Series at the Kendall Toyota of Anchorage Borealis Theatre. Tickets for the following shows go on sale Friday, May 1 at 10am.

Additional information on the 2015 line-up, including ticket prices, bios, photos and performance samples, is available on the Fair website, alaskastatefair.org.

CITY COUNCIL AND SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES
Election Questions were mailed and e-mailed to all candidates for City Council & School Board. The answers in this publication are the printed as received without corrections or editing. Read Biographies below and Click Link to read answers to questions posed by KVAK. Next Monday, we will feature another question and answer from each candidate.

VHS PERFORMS AT AURORA CONFERENCE COMPETITION
For those wanting to catch a glimpse and listen to the VHS Band in Delta this past weekend, you can sign up to watch the video of select Aurora Music Festival Command Performance Winners on The Cube.

MISSING PILOT FOUND DEAD IN PRINCE WILLIAM SOUNDAlaska Dispatch (4-15-15) - Alaska State Troopers found the body of a missing pilot and his plane floating in Prince William Sound Wednesday evening, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, ending a search that lasted more than 24 hours. The crew of a trooper’s vessel found the man's body and the Cessna 180 he had been flying in the waters off Culross Island in western Prince William Sound, near Whittier. On Wednesday afternoon, KTUU identified the pilot as Dale Carlson, 53, of Wasilla. Petty Officer 1st Class Shawn Eggert of the Coast Guard's Anchorage public affairs office would not confirm the pilot's identity Wednesday night. On Tuesday afternoon, the 11th Air Force Rescue Coordination Center had received a mayday call from the pilot in the vicinity of Perry Island.

PREVIEW OF AIRSHOW PLANES
The Valdez May Day Fly In and Airshow will be held in Valdez and event organizers are excited to announce that pilot Marcus Paine will coming to airshow with a Steerman Biplane to do aerobatics. Paine, a professional airshow pilot, has performed for the Fly In since its inception, flying either a Citabria or a Super Cub. This year Paine will be able to do more impressive aerobatics with the Steerman biplane.
The STOL (Short take-off and landing) competition will also see some new airplanes. Bob Breeden and his son Bobby have been winners of the STOL competition and are excited to try out a newly built high performance Super Cub. The Fly In and Airshow will be held May 8th, 9th and 10th at Pioneer Field in Valdez.

Current Hermon Hutchens PTA Board members have provided activities, support and advocacy at HHES for many years. However, as their own children advance to the secondary schools, they will be moving on to continue supporting our schools at GMS and VHS. Katey Connell says that leaves many open PTA Board Positions. The organization has open positions for: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and Members. A minimum of three PTA board members will be required to maintain the status of the Hermon Hutchens PTA next year. Current board members will be glad to provide assistance for incoming officers. This interested in becoming an active participant in their child's education can call 834-4718 for more information.

HUGE CROWDS ATTEND WILKINSON'S FINAL CVEA ANNUAL MEETINGS
Approximately 360 people attended the CVEA Annual Meeting in Glennallen and 290 in Valdez; beating last year's record attendance numbers. The registered member count was 178 in Glennallen and 181 in Valdez. This year's meetings were the last for CEO Robert Wilkinson as he leaves the helm on June 1 after having served as the CEO for 18 of his almost 29 years with the Cooperative. A major focus of the meeting was to honor Wilkinson, say goodbye, and thank him for everything he has done for the members of CVEA. In turn, Wilkinson thanked the Members for the opportunity to serve as their CEO, as well as the Board of Directors and the Employee Team for their roles in the success of the Cooperative. John Duhamel, CVEA Executive Engineer/Project Manager, and incoming CEO, surprised Wilkinson with remarks reflecting on a few items from Wilkinson’s long list of accomplishments during his time as leader of the Cooperative.

CROWLEY PRESENTED WITH AWARDVALDEZ, Alaska – Captain of the Port for Western Alaska, Captain Paul Mehler III, presented the masters and crews of two Crowley Maritime vessels with the Coast Guard Public Service Commendation.
In December of 2012, the Drilling Unit KULLUK became disabled off the Alaska Coast after encountering a severe winter storm. The tugs GUARDSMAN and ALERT of Crowley Maritime responded to the call for assistance, traversing the Gulf of Alaska in hurricane conditions to reach the KULLUK.
When the tug GUARDSMAN arrived on scene the tug AIVIQ had already established an emergency tow connection with the KULLUK but had suffered engine failures. The GUARDSMAN established connection with the AIVIQ and was able to keep the vessels off the nearby rocky shore through the night, enabling the Coast Guard to deliver vital engine parts to the AIVIQ and to rescue the 18-person crew of the KULLUK.

LIGHTNING STRIKES PLANE CARRYING INTERIOR ALASKA STUDENTS News Miner (04-12-15) - Lightning struck an Alaska Airlines plane carrying a contingent of Interior high school student’s home from a conference in Southeast Alaska on Sunday. The lightning strike did not affect the flight plan of the plane, a Boeing 737-400, and the plane was able to complete its flight from Sitka to Juneau. The plane was carrying about 140 passengers, many of whom were making the first leg of their trip home from the Alaska Association of Student Governments Conference at Mount Edgecumbe High School. The conference brings together high school students involved in their schools’ governments to talk policy, engagement and governance each spring.

NEW ARRIVAL
Fiona Caroline Juleen came into this world April 4th at 3:01pm. She weighed 7lbs. 14oz. and was 20 ¼ inches long. Her parents are Mike Juleen and Ellen Sneve.

“Tsunami” by Marjorie SchollALASKAN EXHIBIT TRAVELS TO HAWAII
The Valdez Museum and Historical Archive was recently mentioned in an article about an art exhibition they coordinated. Communities, Disaster and Change is a traveling exhibition coordinated by the Valdez Museum and Historical Archive. Framed by the 50-year anniversary of the devastating Good Friday earthquake that struck Alaska on March 27, 1964, the exhibit showcases the art of 2 artists from around Alaska. Each artist has one piece, although some works contain multiple elements, such as diptychs and sculptural arrangements that address the theme of natural disasters’ effects on their communities.

All meetings of City Council and School Board are held in City Council Chambers, broadcast on 1230AM KVAK and streamed LIVE on www.kvakradio.com

APRIL FOOLS FUN - DEADLINE TO WIN IS WEDNESDAY
Last week, KVAK sent out a breaking news story about the Prospector store becoming an adult club and we appreciate that our audience had a sense of humor. The story was not true, but the fate of the store on Galena Store remains up in the air as the focus has definitely been on opening the new location. KVAK was not fooling about giving away prizes and a massage certificate to the person who could identify all of the false statements in the KVAK biographies. CLICK HERE to read the biographies, then click the link to enter your guesses for your chance to win. Answers will be published and winners announced in the April 13th edition of the e-news.

NEW PROSPECTOR STORE TO OPEN TUESDAY
After months of building, the new Prospector store on Egan Drive will open this Tuesday. The store will feature a new Carhartt concept shop, and will utilize the 2nd floor for women's and kids clothing and footwear.

VALDEZ YOUTH BASKETBALL THANK YOU
The 2014-2015 Youth Basketball season just wrapped up for 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th graders. The Board of VYBL would like to thank their sponsors: Haltness Equipment; Alaska Tanker Co., Salon Eclipse, Petro Star, Arts Design, Valdez Gold Rush, Capt’n Joe’s Tesoro, Copper Valley Telecom, The Prospector, Totem Inn, A Rogue’s Garden, Harbor Landing General Store, the Valdez Fire Department and United Way. Also the coaches, officials, parents, Valdez City Schools and Parks & Recreation. To read complete letter and see who helped out as coaches and officials this year as well as who served on the boardCLICK HERE

PROSPECTOR SNEAK PEEK
Prospector Outfitters is in the process of moving from their store on Galena Street to the old Sugar and Spice building on Egan Drive.

Click pictures to enlarge

MISSING DOG WILLOWLast seen on Sunday, March 15th
at the Old Town Copper Center Lodge
*$100 Reward*
Willow has been missing since Sunday, March 15th by the Old Town Copper Center Lodge in Copper Center. Willow is strawberry blond with darker red patches on her nose, ears, and back, longer wavy hair on her back, droopy eyes. There is a $100 reward to whoever returns or provides information on Willow’s return.

PWSCC PLAY TOURPlay Director Ryan Buen – This weekend marked the final showing of PWSCC's production of Lisa D'Amours Detroit. After a successful local run a week ago, the cast and crew toured the show to the Glen Massay Theatre in Palmer. This tour was a first for the long running PWSCC Drama Department, and a first for many members of the cast crew. The cast arrived at 10 a.m. and had to erect the massive two house set, redesign the lights for a new space, and re-block the show all by 6: 00 pm that evening. This proved to be quite the task, pushing the cast and crew quite far, sometimes right to the edge of breaking, but in the end the show looked breathtaking. It was quite the accomplishment. The show starred local talent Heidi Franke, Meg McKinney, Jay Stevens, Robert Covington and Dawson Moore and was crewed by Sarah Jorgenson Owen, Hannah Wassel, Jennifer Christofferson, Iam Cabitac, and Beth Charnell. The performances on display were of an extremely high caliber, with many audience members gushing about quality of acting on display, as well as all of the design and construction, most of which was done by Matthew Kress by himself at his personal shop at 46 mile. This show and tour truly represent some of the amazing work that can come out of out of our small community when its people come together with a common creative goal in mind.

GET TO KNOW KVAK
See if you can figure out what’s true, and what’s not true about the staff of KVAK. The staff of KVAK has written bios for themselves, but with an interesting twist. All of the statements in staff bios are true except for one. Look for a special E-Blast newsletter on Wednesday to see if you can spot which one is a lie. Of course, there will be a prize for those who identify all the incorrect statements.

The Second Annual Wings over Valdez will be happening the first two weekends of April (April 4th & 5th and April 11th & 12th)
According to an article on www.alaskakiteadventures.com “The purpose of the Wings over Valdez event is to showcase the flying sports of Speed riding, Paragliding and Skydiving. The future goal of the W.O.V. event will be to show what the beautiful city of Valdez, Alaska has to offer as far as flying opportunities, and they are world class!” Most of the pilots that will fly at the Wings over Valdez event are part of the Arctic Airwalkers club out of Eagle River, Alaska. The Arctic Airwalkers are the oldest and biggest paragliding club in the USA. With several US paragliding and World cup champions. Two helicopters will whisk pilots to the top of the 5000ft+ mountains above Valdez. From there, pilots will coordinate acrobatic displays of technical flying. Look for spiral dives, wing overs and colored smoke to entertain. Also, speed wing or speed rider pilots will be hugging close to the Mountain and proximity flying and rapidly descending heart stopping lines over rock cliff faces.

VALDEZ LITTLE LEAGUE
Valdez Little League is gearing up for the Summer Season. Opening Ceremonies are scheduled for May 19th and Registration Forms are available now. Pick up a Registration form at HHES or GMS or download from the Valdez Little League Facebook page. The League is planning trips to Cordova and Delta in June for the Minors, Majors and Junior Teams. The league is still in need of coaches for the 2015 season. If you or someone you know might be interested, there's a coaches meeting Tuesday, March 24th, 6:30pm at the Valdez Library. Or contact BJ williams at bjwilliams1999@yahoo.com. There are a few openings on the Valdez Little League Board as well. Interested parties can talk to BJ Williams. Little League Baseball Practice will start as soon as the fields are clear of snow.

Alaska Dispatch (March, 13th 2015) - Troopers say one person died and five others were injured Thursday evening in a crash on the northbound Glenn Highway just beyond the Knik River bridge.

The wreck was reported at 6:02 p.m., said troopers spokeswoman Megan Peters in an email.
Trenton Shepersky, 22, of Wasilla was driving southbound in a Chevrolet pickup when the truck crossed the median into northbound traffic. It crashed head-on into an RV and then hit a Chevrolet van, said a troopers dispatch posted online Friday.

A woman in the RV was declared dead on the scene. Troopers are withholding her identity pending notification of her next of kin, the dispatch said.

RESPONSES TO GOVERNOR'S BUDGET SURVEYAlaska Dispatch News (March 9th, 2015) JUNEAU - Shorten state employees’ workweeks to cut costs. Let Alaskans invest their Permanent Fund dividends in the proposed natural gas pipeline from the North Slope.
Or how about, “Fire yourself”?
Those were some of the comments Alaska residents and public employees sent Gov. Bill Walker in response to his administration’s online survey searching for ways to save the state money.
The results were released last week and included thousands of ideas -- specific and constructive, old and new, some downright zany.

VALDEZ STOL COMING BACK TO OSHKOSH FOR EAA AIRVENTURE 2015Aviationpros.com (March 12th, 2015) – The specially modified short takeoff/landing (STOL) aircraft that were a hit at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014 are returning for more fun this year, as they re-create one of the world’s most unique aviation competitions.
The “Valdez STOL” airplanes will be part of the 63rd annual Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) fly-in convention<http://www.eaa.org/en/airventure> is July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. Those aircraft compete at the annual Valdez, Alaska, fly-in and air show in May each year, and demonstrated the unique capabilities of the airplanes and pilots at Oshkosh in 2014.

Local Election Update

Election Update: Per the city clerk, this is the most up to date list of community members who have taken out petitions to run for City Council and School Board. Those who have not returned petitions have until Monday, March 16th at 5 pm.

KTVA – The Valdez Police Department says their community is ready should an active shooter ever take aim at their city.
Back in May of 2013, the department trained in a program called ALICE — which stands for alert, lockdown, inform, counter and evacuate. The program’s founder, Greg Crane, says it is designed to be a proactive response to a man-made threat.
“Sometimes, sitting in the corner is not what you should be doing in this moment,” said Crane. “You have other options.”

Due to a technical issue, property tax assessment notices were mailed by the City to all property owners of record on March 6, 2015. The deadline for accepting tax assessment appeals to the Board of Equalization is now extended to April 6, 2015.
To appeal the assessed valuation of property, all appeals must be filed in writing on forms provided by the City of Valdez. Forms may be obtained at the front desk of City Hall between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

GEOGRAPHY BEE WINNER

National Geographic Society – Jacob Porritt of Valdez is one of the semifinalists eligible to compete in the 2015 Alaska National Geographic State Bee, sponsored by Google and Plum Creek. The contest will be held at the Egan Center, 555 West 5th Avenue in Anchorage on Friday, March 27, 2015.

National Geographic Society – Jacob Porritt of Valdez is one of the semifinalists eligible to compete in the 2015 Alaska National Geographic State Bee, sponsored by Google and Plum Creek. The contest will be held at the Egan Center, 555 West 5th Avenue in Anchorage on Friday, March 27, 2015.

Valdez High School students caught money on fire, burned bubbles and demonstrated how flames would chase coffee creamer through the air last Tuesday night at the Valdez High School Gym. The event was created by High School Principal Rod Schug to give students and the School District a chance to showcase science and the arts. The event featured experiments, woodworking, artwork and demonstrations, as well as live music from the High School band and choir. Students and teachers manned booths scattered around the gymnasium and presented information for two hours to the delight of young students, parents and community members. The students clearly enjoyed the opportunity to create, experiment and play with fire but it was clear to those in attendance the event ignited the spark for learning.

GOOD NEWS INTERVIEW FEATURES BUDDING WRITER KATIE FRANCIOSI
Our Good News Interview is with Katie Franciosi this Friday during the 9am, Noon and 6pm news hours. Franciosi, a Valdez High School Senior, recently won a writing contest and talks with KVAK about her journey through high school and how she discovered her love of writing and the outdoors.

ROOKIE COP PRAISED FOR HELPING BRING DOWN DRUG RING

KTVA.com - VALDEZ – Officer Andrew Pritchett of the Valdez Police Department came to Alaska by way of Seattle. In February 2012, he and his wife moved up to Valdez so he could pursue his longtime dream of working in law enforcement. High school sweethearts, the snowy winters of Valdez did nothing to scare them away.
“I always wanted to be a police officer. I had two police officers who were kind of instrumental in my teen years,” Pritchett said.
When he was just six months out of training, Pritchett arrested 26-year-old Timothy Miller. That arrest would lead to convictions for Miller and five other people for charges related to drug trafficking. For a street cop in his rookie year of service, the arrest — and investigation that followed — was a remarkable accomplishment.

VALDEZ - Beginning Tuesday, February 24, 2015, people age 21 and over can legally possess, outside of their homes, up to an ounce of marijuana and can grow up to six plants in their home (with up to three being mature, flowering plants). Adults may also give up to an ounce of marijuana and up to six plants to another adult.
This week's City Council packet contains a bevy of information on the new marijuana law and has published public service information making it clear that marijuana is not legal for those under 21 and that one shouldn't drive while under the influence of marijuana. The public service announcement also provides common sense tips for marijuana.

CLICK HERE to get all the facts about marijuana initiativeCLICK HERE to read public service information tips on marijuana

Baker: Lori Chaffin
Delicious Sugar free carrot cake. All natural, old-fashioned carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. All organic, all natural. Even the walnuts are from an organic farm in Oregon. Made in Truvia. The vanilla is made from scratch. The entire cake is diabetic friendly but we have a personal guarantee it doesn't taste sugar-free. Comes with the pan.
SOLD: $70

Baker: Rowena Palomar
Traditional Filipino Dessert. In the Philippines, leche flan, or caramel custard, is a popular dessert served during celebrations or special occasions. Cassava Cake is made with fresh cassava root (yucca) and coconut milk. It is topped with coconut milk and egg yolk custard.
SOLD:$80

Baker: Joanne Winney
This cake is a proven favorite! Layers of delicious cake studded with carrots, pecans, raisins, and Pineapple. The op is generously frosted with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This cake will satisfy your sweet tooth!
Current bid: $90

Stephanie’s Chocolate Cake

Baker: Stephanie Doyel
Moist and full of chocolate flavor, this cake is perfect for those who love chocolate cake and a big glass of milk. This delicious chocolate cake will have you coming back for seconds.
SOLD: $100

16. Carrot Cheesecake Swirl
Joanne Winney
This delicious cake combined two loveable types of cake. A cheesecake cake and carrot cake swirled together to make this delicious treat.
SOLD: $200

FAMILY BINGO NIGHTToday at the HHES Cafeteria
6:30pm – 8:00pm
The HHES PTA is having their annual family bingo night, tonight in the HHES cafeteria. The doors will open at 6pm and the bingo numbers will be called from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. To attend there is a minimum donation at the door of $20 for a family or $5 per person. Bingo night is “Luau” themed and attendants are encouraged to dress up for the event.

Frosty Fever 2015

4 WAYS TO WIN WITH A FROSTY FEVER BUTTON
KVAK will give away 1,250 buttons starting Friday, Feb 20th and one of them will win someone $1,000 cash. When you get a free button at participating giveaway location, you win prizes four ways.

1. Get Spotted Wearing a Button and Win Prizes Instantly
2. Wear into Participating Businesses for Discount or Special
3. Find your Button # on KVAK’s Facebook Page and Win
4. Listen to 93.3FM & 1230AM for the number on your button to be called
Call KVAK Radio within 12 minutes and 30 seconds
to win $100 Gift Certificates, Prizes Worth $100+, Ravn Alaska Tickets and the $1,000 Cash.
Stay tuned to KVAK and become a www.kvakradio.com Listener Club Member for more info.

20 MILLION BOND FOR BUILDING OF HARBOR WILL TAKE 21 YEARS TO PAY OFF
The City expects to authorize the issuance of up to $20 million in general obligation bonds for Harbor improvements and expansion. According to the statement in the Council packet, it will take taxpayers 21 years to pay back the bond. PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR HARBOR EXPECTED TO HIT 1 TO 1.4 MILLION
The Council will vote Tuesday night to approximately an additional half a million dollars to Arcadis US for project management of the harbor project, bringing the anticipated management and planning of that project to well over a million dollars.CITY ANSWERS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING MARIJUANA REGULATION, SALE AND POSSESSION
Proposition 2 on the November 4 ballot passed 53 to 47 percent statewide, and opening the door to legal marijuana use has opened the door to many questions. The initiative provides for the personal use of marijuana by adults 21 years or older. However, until the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board adopts regulations governing the production and sale of marijuana-related products, open and public consumption of marijuana will still be prohibited. A FAQ has been posted on the City of Valdez website regarding marijuana that explains that,it will still be illegal for those under 21 years of age to possess marijuana. The FAQ includes a timeline that lists November 24, 2015 as the deadline for the ABC Board to adopt regulations.

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGTuesday, February 17th 2015
at City Council Chambers
Work session: 6:00pm
Regular Meeting –7:00pmItems include:PUBLIC HEARING - Discussion Item Discussion of City Bonding 20 million for Valdez Harbor ProjectNew Business Items Include:
1. Approval of Amendment to Contract with Arcadis US for project Management of the New Harbor Project in the Amount of $499,638
2. Approve Contract to H Construction for the Senior Center Attic and Insulation Project $84,500
3. Approval of Senior Citizen Hardship Tax Exemption

THINGS NO ONE IN ALASKA SAYMovoto.com recently posted an article named, “18 Things People In Alaska Would Never be Caught Saying.”CLICK HERE to view the article

LEGO ROBOTICSCynthia Shidner and Officer Aaron Baczuk - Three LEGO robotics teams in Valdez recently competed in a statewide Lego League competition with 26 Alaskan teams on Saturday, February 7th. Strong winds and cold temperatures prevented the 3 teams from traveling to Fairbanks. Thanks to the technical assistance of Mrs. Reese and Mrs. Keeney, the three teams--“Bananabots”, “Super Brotatoes” and “Red Hot Robot Masters”—were able to use Skype video calls to compete against 26 teams.
For the fourth year in a row, the Valdez LEGO robotics teams earned trophies for their teamwork, engineering and programming skills. All of the teams would like to thank their financial supporters, both past and present, for providing the funding for the LEGO robot kits: United Way Valdez, Copper Valley Electric, Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, Juneau Economic Development Council and the Valdez City School District.
The “Bananabots” from George Gilson Middle School earned a trophy for the highest score in “robot performance”. The “Super Brotatoes” from Hermon Hutchens Elementary earned the “Gracious Professionalism” trophy for their excellent teamwork and the second highest score in robot performance.
The “Red Hot Robot Masters” is a 10-member team of 3rd and 4th grade students. The “Red Hot Robot Masters” are organizing two free events for the Valdez community—the “LEGO Robotics Experience” at the Valdez Civic Center on Friday and Saturday, March 13th and 14th and the “Art Heals Your Heart” student art festival at the elementary school in April. Thanks to a partnership between Hermon Hutchens Elementary and FOCUS homeschool, our team includes Chase Bowden, Piers Shirk, Justin Ralph Breis, Ethan Weber, Acacia Montgomery, Malia Kamauoha, Anthony Riedinger, Rafe Caruthers, McKennan Mayer and Fisher Mishmash.
The “Super Brotatoes” is a 8-member team of 4th and 5th grade students: Spencer Holbrook, Hunter Francis, Brandon Nguyen, Evan Clark, Eider Schantz, Joshua Baczuk, Kyle Henderson and Cameron Bowden. The coaches for both teams are Cynthia Shidner and Erica Shirk. The “Super Brotatoes” and “Red Hot Robot Masters” would like to thank Mrs. Reese and Mrs. Keeney for their help this year, as well as our parent volunteers—Betsy Caruthers and Sonja Mishmash.
The “Bananabots” team displayed a high level of cooperation, commitment, and innovation. This team of 10 middle school students, coached by Officer Aaron Baczuk, was newly formed this year in cooperation with the robust and established Lego Robotics program from Hermon Hutchens Elementary. The middle school team consists of Alex Britton, Wyatt Cummings, Hayden Howard, Elijah, Sydney McKay, Angelina Zuniga, Curtiss Lemieux, Logan Anderson, Jeffrey Prevost, and Isaac Clubb. As a result of the project portion of the competition, the team has plans to acquire a 3-D printer from funds raised by the team as well as matched funds from the middle school. The printer will be donated back to the middle school to use in the science and technology departments.
The Bananabots would like to thank Mr. Morrison and Mrs. Franciosi for all of their support and efforts, as well as Mr. Langseth and the wood shop students and Mrs. Cox for sharing their space with us in the middle school. Also, a BIG thanks goes out to parents Judy Prevost, Wendi Clubb, and Stacie and Josh Britton for all of their help with the team.

ELKS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENTThursday, Feb 12th – Saturday, Feb 14th
The Elk’s High School Basketball Tournament is set to go underway this Thursday, February 12th through Saturday February 14th. The Valdez Buccaneers will be hosting 7 teams from around the state of Alaska. Teams include, Hutchison, Seward, Delta, Houston, Kotzebue, Cordova and Glennallen. The first games of the tournament are set to begin on Thursday, February 12th at 9:00am in the high school gym.

DOT KEEPS VALDEZ IN SAME REGIONMonday, February 9th 2015, Juneau, Alaska -- The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) recently made a determination to keep Valdez in its Northern Region. DOT&PF divides the state into 3 regions to manage transportation infrastructure on a regional basis. A plan was recently proposed to remove Valdez and Cordova from the Northern Region and place the city under management of the Southcoast region.

SPEAKER COMING TO VALDEZ TO TALK ABOUT CYBERTRAPS
Parent & Community Presentation, Thursday, February 12th – 6pm at HHES
Author, attorney and speaker Mr. Frederick Lane will be in Valdez to discuss his book, “Cybertraps for the Young” and answer questions from students and parents about how to recognize and avoid the cybertraps that challenge all of us. Land will conduct two presentations at Gilson Middle School and one for parents and the community Thursday February 12th at 6pm at the Hermon Hutchens Cafeteria. Here is a write up about why parents need to be aware of cyber traps written by Lane:
“We live in a period of unprecedented interpersonal communication. Children now have more ways to interact with each other and adults than ever before: text messages, an infinite number of IM channels, hundreds of social media sites, and thousand of apps. The combination of amazingly powerful devices and near-instantaneous communication has the potential to revolutionize education, but at the same time, carries profound risks for our children, who often have access to devices with capabilities that exceed their judgment. As we adjust to this brave new world, we need to educate students and parents about the hidden and not-so-hidden dangers of 24/7 digital access.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 201511:30 AMDANGEROUS HIGH WIND WARNING:

The National Weather Service reports that continuous high winds with gusts of 80 mph are expected through 9:00 PM.

Meals Avenue in the vicinity of South Central Hardware is currently closed to traffic due to hazardous flying debris. Due to the potential for dangerous flying debris throughout the community, residents are encouraged to limit driving to only that necessary and refrain from walking on all city streets until wind speeds diminish. Please keep children and pets indoors.
Please immediately report any dangerous situations such as traffic obstructions or other safety hazards to the Valdez Police Department at 835-4560.Posted February 6, 2015Sheri Pierce, PIO, City of Valdez

Eielson could not get in for the VHS Basketball games today (Friday) but might try to make it Saturday. GMS Volleyball has been cancelled for the weekend

The Father Daughter Sweetheart dance that was scheduled for tonight has officially been moved to tomorrow, Saturday February 7th, due to safety issues stemming from the high winds in town. The event will still take place at 6:00 pm tomorrow night at the Valdez Civic Center, and the dance will begin at seven. Once again, the Father Daughter Sweetheart dance has been moved to tomorrow, Saturday February 7th, doors open at 6:00 pm, and the event will begin at 7.

The National Weather Service reports that continuous high winds with gusts of 80 mph are expected through 9:00 PM.

Meals Avenue in the vicinity of South Central Hardware is currently closed to traffic due to hazardous flying debris. Due to the potential for dangerous flying debris throughout the community, residents a...See More

Late Start to School Due to Wind

VALDEZ - Superintendent Nygaard let KVAK know early this morning that Valdez City Schools will start late today due to high winds. Buses will run 2 hours later than normal in order to get kids to school by 10am. 10am School start time applies to all students and all schools. School will not open until 10am Friday. Nygaard said he would be providing an update on the situation once the sun comes up.

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGMonday, February 2nd 2015
at City Council Chambers

Regular Meeting –7:00pmItems include:

Approve Contract Award to Harris Sand and Gravel for Meyring Park (north) Upgrades in the Amount of $585,000

Approve Contract Award to Wolverine Supply for VHS Gym Acoustics in the Amount of $97,000

CLICK HERE for full agendaAll meetings of City Council and School Board are held in City Council Chambers, broadcast on 1230AM KVAK and streamed LIVE on www.kvakradio.com

VALDEZ LOCAL FEATURED IN COLLEGE SPORTS ARTICLE
Valdez local and VHS Class of 2014 graduate Colleen Murphy was recently featured in a sports article for Pacific University and their last swim meet against the Linfield College Wildcats.

Goboxers.com – “The 50-yard freestyle saw Katie Porter (Sr., McMinnville, Ore.) finish with a time of 25.11 to win her heat, while Colleen Murphy (Fr., Valdez, Alaska) finished third at 27.12.”CLICK HERE to view the full article

35 THINGS TO DO IN ALASKAMovoto.com recently posted an article about activities that Alaskan locals know all too well.CLICK HERE to view the article

TAX SEASON PROMPTS SCAM ALERTSBBB, IRS and FTC Issue Advice during Tax Identity Awareness WeekAnchorage, Alaska — January 26, 2015 — As Alaskans prepare for another tax season, Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington, along with several federal agencies—is reminding them to beware of scams and identity theft. According to the Internal Revenue Service and BBB investigators, an aggressive and sophisticated phone scam continues to run rampant. Callers claim to be employees of the IRS, using fake names and bogus identification badge numbers. Victims are told they owe money and must pay through a pre-loaded debit card or wire transfer. If the victim refuses, the scammers threaten with arrest, deportation or suspension of a driver’s license.

Anchorage, Alaska — January 26, 2015 — As Alaskans prepare for another tax season, Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington, along with several federal agencies—is reminding them to beware of scams and identity theft.

According to the Internal Revenue Service and BBB investigators, an aggressive and sophisticated phone scam continues to run rampant. Callers claim to be employees of the IRS, using fake names and bogus identification badge numbers. Victims are told they owe money and must pay through a pre-loaded debit card or wire transfer. If the victim refuses, the scammers threaten with arrest, deportation or suspension of a driver’s license.

“These criminals try to scare and shock you into providing personal financial information on the spot while you are off guard,” IRS Commissioner John Koskinen said. “Don’t be taken in and don’t engage these people over the phone.”

According to BBB scheme records, the IRS scam remains at the top of the list with 64 reports in 2014.

“The impostors cast a wide net in hopes of catching unsuspecting consumers when they are the most vulnerable,” says Tyler Andrew, CEO of BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington. “We’ve even seen instances where the scammers claim to have a refund check for the victim in hopes of tricking them into sharing private information.”

In an effort to promote awareness, the Federal Trade Commission kicked off Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week today. The agency has provided a list of tools to help consumers prevent phishing, preparer fraud and other scams. The FTC will host a webinar to educate the public.

BBB encourages consumers to be aware of tax season scams and offers this advice on filing safely:Identify scam calls: The IRS will never call taxpayers to demand a payment or require them to use a specific payment method for their taxes. The agency will also never threaten to bring in local police to arrest a consumer for not paying.

Hire a trusted tax preparer: Consumers should be careful when choosing tax preparers. Unscrupulous preparers file false and fraudulent tax returns to defraud their clients. BBB has a list of BBB Accredited accountants that consumers can trust.

File a complaint: Consumers who have been a victim of tax scams or identity theft should file a report with BBB or the FTC.

Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington is one of 112 in North America and the largest BBB by geographical service area. BBB is a neutral not-for-profit public reporting agency committed to trust in the marketplace. For more information on ethical business standards and BBB Accreditation, or to access free BBB Business Reviews, Charity Reviews, scam alerts or find local event information, contact BBB or visit bbb.org.

ALASKA AIRPORTS AND AVIATION 2014 ANNUAL REPORT
The state of Alaska recently released their annual reports of the Alaska airports and aviation.

OIL COMPANIES PUT A LID ON PLANS TO CUT TOPS OFF VALDEZ STORAGE TANKSAlaska Dispatch (1-14-15) FAIRBANKS – The three oil companies that own the trans-Alaska pipeline are putting a lid on plans to remove the tops of four giant empty storage tanks at the Valdez terminal, citing opposition from Tesoro."Removal of the tank roofs will reduce personnel safety risks associated with winter snow removal activities," the companies said in December, adding they wanted to avoid "tank top deformation." With an average of about 300 inches of snow each year in Valdez, the one-acre topside of each tank has to be periodically cleared by 10-member crews with shovels and scoops.

BP ALASKA TEACHERS OF EXCELLENCE PROGRAM ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS
BP representative Tara Stevens said the BP is accepting nominations for the 20th annual BP Teachers of Excellence program, which recognizes Alaska teachers’ exceptional work. The program will honor K-12 teachers from public or private schools who have made important contributions to education and their communities over the past year.
Anyone can nominate a BP Teacher of Excellence by visiting BPteachers.com. The deadline for nominations is Jan. 30, 2015. Since the program’s inception in 1995, BP has recognized more than 620 Alaska teachers. Last year, BP recognized 30 Teachers of Excellence from more than 1,400 nominations received from across the state. Valdez has had 12 BP Teachers of Excellence recognized over the years. Roz Strang, Barb Lyons, Patsy Collins, Laura Lappies, Susan Eide, John Strang, Sheri Beck, Candace Walker, Jan Michaud-Whalen, Kim Mackey, Peter Austad, Adam Sharrai and Kyle Moeller.

DRUG POLICY MEETING AN UPDATE
The Drug Policy meeting held at the Valdez High School library last Thursday night drew a handful of parents and interested community members and featured panelists: High School Principal Rod Schug; Police Officer Erin Baczuk; Athletic Director Lea Cockerham; HHES Counselor Gianna Guisti; GMS Counselor Kyra Myer and GMS Principal Rod Morrison. The panelists made presentations on what they were doing at their respective schools. Members of the panel criticized the current drug and alcohol policy, explaining some of the concerns and saying it needed to be written. The Drug and Alcohol Policy committee has not yet been put together. It is being headed up by Rod Morrison. There is no expected completion date for a revised policy.

NEW ARRIVAL
On the evening of Wednesday, January 21st at 11:46pm Jordan Quade and Cody Freitag welcomed Owen Anthony Freitag into this world. He was 7lbs. 8.4oz and measured 20.5 inches long. His grandparents are Carmen and Charles Quade and Terri and Joe Freitag.

BEST PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN ALASKA
Hermon Hutchens Elementary School was recently ranked as the 4th best public elementary school in the State of Alaska. Gilson Middle School was ranked as the 2nd best best middle school and Valdez High School was ranked 11th among Alaskan High Schools.

CLICK HERE to see Elementary School Rankings for the State of Alaska.CLICK HERE to see Middle School Rankings for the State of AlaskaCLICK HERE to see High School Rankings for the State of Alaska

COLORADO HOSTS ALASKA COPS FOR POT LEGALIZATION TIPS, PITFALLS1-16-15 DENVER (CBS4) - Law enforcement officials from Alaska caught a firsthand look at retail marijuana operations in Colorado as their state prepares for its own legalized recreational use. The tour was part of a larger summit held by Denver law enforcement this week. Law enforcement nationwide traveled to Colorado to learn more about how the state has handled legalization. Alaska voters approved pot in November’s election. They’re the fourth state to legalize the drug.

BP ALASKA TEACHERS OF EXCELLENCEPROGRAM ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS
BP representative Tara Stevens said the BP is accepting nominations for the 20th annual BP Teachers of Excellence program, which recognizes Alaska teachers’ exceptional work. The program will honor K-12 teachers from public or private schools who have made important contributions to education and their communities over the past year.
Anyone can nominate a BP Teacher of Excellence by visiting BPteachers.com. The deadline for nominations is Jan. 30, 2015. Since the program’s inception in 1995, BP has recognized more than 620 Alaska teachers. Last year, BP recognized 30 Teachers of Excellence from more than 1,400 nominations received from across the state. Valdez has had 12 BP Teachers of Excellence recognized over the years. Roz Strang, Barb Lyons, Patsy Collins, Laura Lappies, Susan Eide, John Strang, Sheri Beck, Candace Walker, Jan Michaud-Whalen, Kim Mackey, Peter Austad, Adam Sharrai and Kyle Moeller. Stevens said that BP is hoping to invite all past winners to a celebration to celebrate the 20 years of this program. Stevens is hoping past Valdez recipients will visit BPteachers.com to find out more about the 20 year celebration.
For 2015, each BP Teacher of Excellence will receive a $500 gift card and a $500 matching grant to their school. BP also will select one Teacher of the Year who will receive a $1,500 scholarship for continuing education.

ICY CONDITIONS MAKE LIFE INTERESTING FOR VALDEZ POLICE DEPARTMENT
According to this week's Valdez Police Report, officers provided transportation to an individual who appeared to be trying to swim home on the icy roadway, after falling multiple times. KVAK's e-news has a link to the Valdez Police and Fire Report each week. CLICK HERE to see the Valdez Police & Fire Page on the www.kvakradio.comwebsite.

WALKER FIRES THREE ALASKA GASLINE BOARD MEMBERS, REJECTS SECRECY PLEDGEAlaska Dispatch (1-6-15): Gov. Bill Walker took a major step toward revising the way the state is dealing with a proposed gas pipeline by removing three members of the Alaska Gasline Development Corp. board and instructing two commissioners not to sign a secrecy pledge proposed by the Parnell administration. “I am committed to a transparent government in which Alaskans are part of the conversation about our resources," Walker said in a statement released late Tuesday. “I cannot allow my cabinet members to sign confidentiality agreements meant to keep information away from the public.”

FROSTY FEVER IS COMING
KVAK's version of a Winter Carnival is coming this February 20th through March 1st. This 10-day festival will feature events and fundraisers designed to raise some money and have some fun. If you have an event in mind for the Festival, call 835-5825 and KVAK can send you a Festival Sign Up form via e-mail. Those interested in sponsoring and helping KVAK bring this event to our community, can request sponsors information by calling 835-5825 or e-mailing kvaksales@gci.net.

EPA TO FINISH CLEANUP OF ALASKA SPILLGreen Field Reporter (1-08-2015): ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The government has taken over cleanup of 4,400 gallons of diesel fuel that spilled into a remote Alaska creek because the responsible company said it lacked enough insurance to finish the job. Much of the low-sulfur diesel remains frozen in a roadside creek bed weeks after a tanker slid off the Richardson Highway on Dec. 9 near Valdez as it was transporting the fuel to the North Slope for drilling operations. Environmental regulators said North Pole-based Alaska Petroleum Distributing Inc., the tanker operator, told responders on Dec. 22 that it used most of its $1 million insurance coverage and was financially incapable of completing the cleanup.

ROAD CLOSURE
The Valdez High School Ski Team will be hosting the annual Valdez Invite on January 9 & 10, 2015. Approximately 250 high school skiers representing ten school s from Fairbanks, the Kenai, and the Matsu Valley will join the Valdez Bucs for this great event. Consequently, both the Mineral Creek Road and the entire upper canyon area will be closed to motorized traffic, hiking, and sledding all day Friday the 9th thru Saturday the 10th until 5:00 PM. This closure is absolutely necessary for the preparation of the course and for the safety of the skiers. The start /finish area for both days is at the U.S. Coast Guard housing facility off of Hanagita. Friday’s relay races begin at 3:00 and the individual event races on Saturday begin at 11:00 AM.

NEW ARRIVAL
On January 3rd at 5:59pm, Parents Nate and Jennifer Smith welcomed Nash Burza Smith into this world. He weighed 7lbs. 0.1oz. and was 18 ¾ inches long.

VALDEZ LURES SKIERS WITH $10,000 IN CASH PRIZESAlaska Dispatch (1-1-15): Valdez, at the northeastern corner of Prince William Sound, isn't known as a destination for cross-country skiing. But the city's parks and recreation director, Darryl Verfaillie, has 10,000 reasons that could change. Verfaillie is organizing a 35-kilometer, city-sponsored ski race in Valdez this month with $10,000 in prize money, making it one of the most lucrative cross-country competitions in the United States. The male and female winners will each be awarded $3,000.

VALDEZ HOSTS ALASKA GOVERNORS INAUGURAL GALASaturday, January 3rd 20146pm at the Civic Center
Valdez has the honor to be chosen to host the Alaska Governor's Inaugural Gala, this Saturday at the Civic Center. Governor Walker will be hosting a series of balls through March, with the next event being held in Juneau on January 10th. Tickets for the Valdez gala are sold out, but Governor Walker will be hosting a Meet and Greet event earlier that day at Gilson Middle School, which is open to the public. The middle school event will be from 1pm to 3pm.
MEET AND GREET WITH GOVERNOR BILL WALKERSaturday, January 3rd 2015
1 – 3pm at the Gilson Middle School
The public of Valdez is invited to a “meet & greet” event with Governor Bill Walker and Lt. Governor Byron Mallott. This event will be held Friday, January 3rd from 1 to 3pm at the Gilson Middle School. There will be refreshments, a tour of the schools, and a showing of the video, “ Rebuilding the George H. Gilson Middle School and the Community of Valdez.”

TRUCK ROLLOVER
Valdez, AK – At approximately 1:47 p.m. today (12-22-14), a Crowley fuel delivery truck overturned, rolling multiple times before coming to rest in the ditch around Milepost 10 of the Richardson Highway. City of Valdez Police and Fire Department personnel responded to the scene of the single vehicle accident, transporting the driver of the truck to Providence Valdez Medical Center for further treatment. First responders from U. S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Valdez, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, and Crowley Petroleum Distribution also responded to the scene.

AMHS FARES TO INCREASE SUMMER 2015 (JUNEAU, Alaska) – The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) announced today that fares on the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) will increase 4.5 percent for travel beginning May 1, 2015. The new fare structure will go into effect January 1, 2015. The rate increase will not affect reservations made prior to the effective date. Some fares will not be affected by the new tariff structure. Fares that are disproportionately higher than the majority of AMHS fares will remain unchanged.

NEW ARRIVAL
On December 12th at 1:44am, Karter Liam Tackett came into this world at 5lbs. 13oz. and 19 inches long. His parents are Katie Albright and Joseph Tackett.

On December 18th at 2:12pm, parents Megan Merchant and Coty Turner gave birth to Bentley Joseph Allen Turner. He weighed 7lbs. 0.7oz. and was 20.5 inches long.

NEW MINIMUM WAGE EFFECTIVE FEB. 24thJUNEAU, Alaska—Alaska’s minimum wage will increase to $8.75 an hour on Feb. 24, which is $1 more than the current $7.75. An estimated 16,000 Alaska jobs currently pay $8.75 or less. While the voter-approved Ballot Measure 3 called for a Jan. 1 increase, in accordance with the Alaska Constitution the effective date is 90 days after the Nov. 26 certification of election results by the
Division of Elections – Feb. 24.

FAIRBANKS PROSPECTOR CATCHES FIREFairbanks Newsminer - Updated 11:30 p.m. - A fire that broke out in the basement of Prospector Outfitters early this morning forced the outdoor retailer at 1512 South Cushman St. to close. The fire started in the building's basement in the boiler room shortly after 1 a.m., according to Fairbanks Fire Department Assistant Chief Ernie Misewicz. The smoke set off the sprinkler system, which doused the fire before crews arrived on scene. CLICK HERE to view full article about fire and subsequent break in and arrest of thieves who tried to loot the store.Valdez - Owner of Prospector Valdez and Fairbanks is in Fairbanks assessing the damage and said he appreciates all the offers of assistance from people in Valdez and Fairbanks. "The fire crews did an amazing job of putting out the fire and trying to save some of the merchandise from smoke and water damage. We are thankful no one was in the building when it caught fire", said Prax.

LEGO ROBTICS
Have you heard the great news about the Bananabots, Super Brotatoes and Red Hot Robot Masters? These names belong to three LEGO robotics teams in Valdez, and all three teams performed extremely well at a recent “virtual” qualifying event last Saturday, December 6th at George Gilson Middle School (GGMS). It was a “virtual” event for the Bananabots from GGMS and the Super Brotatoes and Red Hot Robot Masters from Hermon Hutchens Elementary (HHES) because they competed via video conferencing along with four LEGO teams in North Slope communities. At this event, all three Valdez teams earned top honors in 3 categories: robot performance, robot design and core values/teamwork. This is the fourth year for LEGO robotics in Valdez, yet it is the first year that 30 students have been able to participate instead of being limited to 10 team members. All of the team members and coaches would like to thank the community sponsors who have allowed us to reach our current level of success and student involvement: United Way of Valdez, Copper Valley Electric Association, Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, Petro Star, and most importantly, the Valdez City School District. Here are some highlights from each team.
The Bananabots, an eleven person team coached by Officer Baczuk, has practiced for a number of weeks now and has overcome a variety of obstacles to include a new location and newly formed team. Team members really stepped up the quality of their practices in the weeks leading up to the tournament. They displayed a high level of cooperation, commitment, and innovation which ultimately led to them winning the robot performance competition as well as coming in first place for the overall qualifying event. The team would like to thank Mr. Morrison and Mrs. Franciosi for all of their support and efforts, as well as Mr. Langseth and the wood shop students for sharing their space with us. A big thanks to the Valdez City Schools district office and custodial staff as well!
The Super Brotatoes and Red Hot Robot Masters, coached by Erica Shirk and Cynthia Shidner, earned top awards thanks to the teamwork skills and the creative minds of both teams. Super Brotatoes won the “core values” award for their teamwork and cooperation. The Red Hot Robot Masters wowed the judges with their creative attachments in the area of robot design. Both teams would like to thank Mrs. Reese and Mr. Nygaard for their “above and beyond” support of our LEGO robotics program as well as a huge thank you to Jason Caudle for ensuring that our technology was top notch during the virtual event.
All three teams are working hard to prepare for the statewide “First LEGO League” competition in Fairbanks, which will take place on February 7th, 2015. At this event, the Valdez teams will compete against 35 LEGO robotics teams in four categories: robot design, robot performance, team “core values” and a real-life project related to this year’s theme about improving education. We are very proud of how our LEGO robotics team members have represented our community of Valdez for the fourth year in a row. Thank you again to all of the community sponsors of our teams!

SENIOR AND VETERAN TAX EXEMPTIONPublic notice from the City of Valdez - The FY 2015 Senior Citizen and Disabled Veteran Tax Exemption Applications and Community Purpose Exemption Applications are now available at City Hall. Qualified applicants may obtain an application from City Hall or on the City’s website. Applications must be filed with the City Clerk’s office no later than
January 15, 2015.

GMS GREAT HALLOWEEN GIVEBACK
Mrs. Haase-Bushong challenged her students to lead Gilson Middle School in the Great Halloween Giveback Challenge. As a result the students donated over 500 plus items for the Valdez Food Bank and Animal Shelter this year. Haase-Bushong's 6th grade class was the overall winner of the class competition

NEWBORN BABY
Noah Stanley Stark came into this world on the evening of December 1st at 10:22pm. Noah is now the brother of William “Liam” Stark. His parents are William and Erin Stark.

COAST GUARD RETRIEVES FISHING VESSELAlaska Dispatch - The U.S. Coast Guard towed a fishing vessel with three people aboard to shore Thursday after it lost steering power and grounded in Prince William Sound.
Shortly after midnight, the Coast Guard in Anchorage received a radio report from the fishing vessel Eleon, but little information was relayed before the signal cut out, said Petty Officer 2nd Class Grant DeVuyst.

CLICK HERE to view more
VALDEZ RESIDENT SET TO HAVE A FILM FEATURED IN FILM FESTIVALAlaska Dispatch – Valdez resident Dawson Moore will have his play “Six Dead Bodies” in the Anchorage International Film Festival. “Six Dead Bodies,” written by Dawson Moore and Lindsay Walker, caught the fancy of more than just a local newspaper critic. It was reprised at the Last Frontier Theatre Conference in Valdez and included in “The Best American Short Plays 2010-2011.” Now it’s coming to a movie theater near you. A film of the play is on the schedule of the Anchorage International Film Festival, which opens today (Dec. 5th). Bennett re-creates the role of the truck driver, Winston, and is the director and producer as well. But he’s hoping to do more.

CLICK HERE to read full article
VALDEZ WRESTLERS FEATURED IN FAIRBANKS DAILY NEWS MINER
The Valdez High School Wrestling team recently participated in their regional tournament. A few select wrestlers from Valdez were mentioned in an article by the Daily News Miner.

KVAK NEW LOOK FOR SPORTS COVERAGE
Starting this Thursday with our Wrestling Regionals Preview show, KVAK Radio will be bringing you a new program called “Sports Shorts.” Airing multiple 1 minute spots on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, Sports Shorts will bring you previews and recaps of local games, intervies with coaches and athletes, schedules of upcoming events, and much more. Stay tuned starting this Thursday for Sports Shorts. If you have been a previous sponsor of our local sports coverage and would like to continue, or if you are interested in becoming a sponsor, contact us here at KVAK Radio, and Sports Shorts can be brought to our community, by you.

CITY BUDGET ALMOST ADOPTED FOR 2015
The City of Valdez held public hearings to discuss the 2015 City of Valdez budget. During budget hearings, the City Council largely voted to support all the budget requests in the proposal. In a couple cases, they did not fund community service organizations the amount they requested for 2015, however all received at least as much, if not more, funding than they did in 2014. Operational expenses were up, but City Manager John Hozey said the City expects to bring in less property tax revenue in 2015. The City Council will finalize the budget at their December 9th meeting.
At the end of the process, here are some basic budget numbers:
* City Operational Expenditures are up 4.54%
* Contribution to the Hospital is up 0.24%
* Contribution to Major Equipment fund is up 1.18%
* School District request is up 0.45%
* Community Service Organization requests are up 5.56%
* Major Maintenance & Capital Projects (forward funded in 2014) up by 69.1%
CITY OF VALDEZ TO SPEND 1/2 MILLION ON ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION PLANNING
The City established a new Economic Diversification Commission in 2014 and set aside a full year's budget for the program totaling $474,365. At this point the lions share of the budget will be used to hire a contractor to determine: whether a year round mountain recreation site is feasible in Valdez; Socio-Economic Baseline Indicator Data Collection and Local Visitors Statistics Data Collection. The VCVB also received additional funds for 2015 earmarked for visitor data collection. CLICK HERE to read the Economic Diversification Interim Measures Project Charter.

OCTOPUS LAYS THOUSANDS OF EGGSAlaska Sea Life Center – Female giant Pacific octopus “Dot” has laid thousands of eggs in the Denizens of the Deep exhibit at the Alaska SeaLife Center. Fertility of eggs cannot be determined at this time. If the eggs are fertile, dark eyes on the embryo within each egg capsule will be noticeable to both aquarists and visitors this coming spring. Hatching would then take place during summer 2015.

Click the picture above for more information

CVTC RETIRES $1,831,500. IN CAPITAL CREDITS
The Board of Directors of Copper Valley Telephone Cooperative (CVTC) recently approved the 2014 general retirement of patronage capital credits concerning the remaining 70% of 1991, 35% of 1992 and 10% of the allocations for members purchasing CVTC services in 2013. A cooperative is obligated to pay the credits (all such amounts in excess of operating costs and expenses) to a capital account for each member. On a regular basis, the board reviews the financial stability of CVTC, ultimately determining if they are financially able to pay out the capital credits to our members.

ALASKA YOUTH VOTERSMedford/Somerville, MA – Youth vote experts from the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning & Engagement (CIRCLE) – the preeminent, non-partisan research center on youth engagement based at Tufts University’s Jonathan M. Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service – today released in-depth analysis on youth voters in Alaska during Tuesday’s highly competitive U.S. Senate election in the state.

At 8:26pm the Fire Department was toned out for a working trailer house fire. The trailer in Space 99 is owned by Brian Cox and Jennifer Sargent. The owner did have small burns on his hand and was coated with ash. His significant other was in the smoke but did not have as much on her. They both refused any further treatment. They did say the smoke detector woke them both up. The house was destroyed all contents destroyed by the fire. On arrival the home was fully involved. The owners were out of the home.

The house #100 did receive heat. Three sets of windows were destroyed from the heat and water. No one else got hurt. The fire department had five apparatus on scene. Fifteen fire personnel. Estimated damage $10,000 items inside the trailer house and $14,000 value of the home. The fire was started by smoking in bed. Red Cross was notified and did arrive on scene to help the home owners.

Preliminary Election Results

STATE OF ALASKA - 2014 GENERAL ELECTION - NOVEMBER 4THUnofficial Results

Picture above: Fire Department: 10-30-14 Valdez Fire Department responded to a car fire at milepost 17 on the Richardson Highway. The vehicle was extinguished, with a total loss to the vehicle.Photo courtesy of Charlie Hughey

30 THINGS ALASKANS HAVE TO EXPLAINMovoto.com – recently did an article explaining “30 things Alaskans have to explain to Out – of – Towners.”CLICK HERE to view the page.

CANDLE VIGIL
AVV held a vigil to remember victims of Domestic Violence as more than merely a symbolic action, but to invite people to get involved directly with the campaign against domestic violence. AVV urges people to help keep our communities focused on a very real problem, and on the need to prevent it throughout the year.

Preliminary Election Results

Preliminary Election Results - Valdez
October 7, 2014

The polls closed at 8pm Tuesday evening and it looks like Larry Weaver will be Mayor and Proposition #1 passed. Proposition #1 allows the City of Valdez to issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed 20 million dollars for expansion of the harbor. The election results will be finalized on Wednesday and final vote counts will change with 80 absentee and 26 question votes to be considered. There were 3 seats for both City Council and those will be filled by the 3 candidates who ran: Nate Smith, Chris Moulton and Jim Shirrell. Likewise there were 3 seats open for School Board and the 3 candidates who ran will all be seated: Darryl Verfaillie, Bill Connell and Bill Comer.

Precinct #1

Precinct #2

Precinct #3

Total

Ballots Cast

268

164

213

645

Mayor

Larry Weaver

178

88

143

409

Rich Long

82

68

60

210

Write Ins

6

7

7

20

Precinct #1

Precinct #2

Precinct #3

Total

City Council

Nate Smith

201

118

156

475

Chris Moulton

191

113

136

440

Jim Shirrell

172

110

141

423

Write Ins

32

26

30

88

Precinct #1

Precinct #2

Precinct #3

Total

School Board

Bill Comer

186

114

134

434

Bill Connell

178

110

138

426

Darryl Verfaillie

132

77

96

305

Write Ins

60

35

41

136

Precinct #1

Precinct #2

Precinct #3

Total

Proposition #1

YES

162

97

128

387

NO

96

65

77

238

10 SAFEST PLACES IN ALASKAMovoto.com – recently published an article on what they believe to be the “10 safest places in Alaska.” Want to know where Valdez ranked on that list?CLICK HERE to view the full article.

WEST KLUTINA INCIDENT
On the evening of September 30th the Valdez police department responded to an incident on West Klutina Street.

PUBLIC INVITED TO VIEW THE RELEASE HARBOR SEAL PUP
The Alaska SeaLife Center is excited to announce the release of a female Pacific harbor seal pup this Friday at 3:30pm at the Public Access Boat Lunch at Lowell Point Beach in Seward. “Gobi” the newborn seal pup was rescued on July 3 after being abandoned by its mother. The Alaska SeaLife Center operates a 24-hour hotline (1-888-774-SEAL) for the public to report stranded marine mammals or birds and is the only permanent marine rehabilitation center in Alaska.

UNITS RESPOND TO VESSEL FIRE
Valdez Fire, Police and the USCG responded to the report of a vessel explosion in the Small Boat Harbor last Wednesday evening. The 30-foot commercial fishing vessel had one adult onboard when it exploded at approximately 7:55pm. The cause of the incident remains under investigation and the individual on board was transported to Providence Hospital.

LAST WEEKEND’S POWER OUTAGE DUE TO HIGH WATER IN VALDEZ
High water, caused by flooding from the recent rainfall, eroded approximately 60 feet of the river bank surrounding Structure 38-7 causing it to collapse. The brief power outage which occurred late last Sunday night affected all CVEA members.

HARBOR DEVELOPMENT SPENDING ON COUNCIL AGENDA TONIGHT
The City of Valdez has an agenda item on tonight’s council meeting that will approve a schematic design for a new small boat harbor in Valdez. Initially the project was expected to cost roughly 50 million dollars and be funded with 20 million federal dollars, 15 million from the State and the City of Valdez chipping in 15 million. At this time, Hozey said he anticipates the project costing upwards of 60 million dollars. The State has contributed between 7.5 million and 8 million according to Hozey, the Federal Government has agreed to contribute about 21 million dollars, and the City has 15 million available for the project. Hozey said he expects to ask the public to bond for an additional 20 million to support the project. The new harbor is expected to add an additional 140 slips. At a cost of 60 million dollars, each slip will cost roughly $428,571 to build. Hozey pointed out that the project will also provide accessible uplands for the public.

ALASKA SEALIFE CENTER WELCOMES SEA OTTER TO I.SEA.U
The adorable pup was found stranded as a newborn in Port Moller, Alaska after being entangled in a fishing net, but is now made a full recovery at the SeaLife Center. Due to the maternal care required by young others, pups this age are deemed non-releasable by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. However, visitors to the Center can watch the activities of the otter and its caregivers through viewing windows. CLICK HERE to read the entire press release.

‘SCHOLASTIC SCHOOL SUPPLY’ SCAM HITS CLASSROOMS ACROSS THE COUNTRYDelta News: Anchorage, Alaska — September 9, 2014 — Schools nationwide are reporting an increase in a supply scam centered on the company Scholastic School Supply. Consumers allege the imposter business is sending out fake invoices to schools and districts in the amount of $647.50 for a bulk purchase of text books that was never purchased or received. The only contact information on the invoices is an email address that consumers say does not respond to messages and a phone number that routes to a series of voicemail boxes.CLICK HERE to view full article

KIDS CLUB REGISTRATION FORMS AVAILABLE AT HHES & KVAK
Even if your child participated in KVAK’s Kids Club program last year, parents will need to sign the registration form for the 2014-2015 school year.Members will receive:
* Birthday announced on the radio (93.3FM & 1230AM)
* Birthday card in the mail on their special day
* Welcome Packet with prizes and information about the program
* 4th & 5th Graders can participate in Monthly Community Service Recording SessionsCLICK HEREfor Kids Club Registration Form

CITY LOOKING TO PROTECT WATERFOWL
The City of Valdez has put in a letter of request to Commissioner Kemp of Alaska Department of Transportation requesting the City be allowed to install signage along the highway intended to protect waterfowl near the highway. The letter, written by City Manager John Hozey, was prompted by a citizen petition. The letter explains, “If we could receive authorization from your Department to install the signs, the City of Valdez would take responsibility for them The City is willing to purchase, install and maintain these signs”.

FISCAL NECESSITIES FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
In a summary statement submitted to City Council by Lisa VonBargen, a $5,705 expenditure to buy iPads, food, advertising and name plates for the newly formed commission. Plans for the role of this commission are largely undefined, but funding for a “strategic doing” seminar and contract are being requested.

RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMIT REPORT
Ever wonder how residential and commercial building looks in Valdez? The following report, put together by the City indicates permits issued for both residential and commercial building.CLICK HERE to read the full report.

11 THINGS ONLY PEOPLE FROM ALASKA WILL UNDERSTANDMovoto.com – recently posted in their blog the top eleven things that people in the lower 48 wouldn’t understand, or at least not like us Alaskans.

H.A.W.K. FINALE WINNERS ANNOUNCED
67 Hikers participated in this year’s H.A.W.K program, hiking over 330 trails in and around the Valdez area this summer. Winners were drawn by 2012’s National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, Jennifer Pharr Davis after her inspiring speech at the Valdez Library last week. The winners are as follows:
3+ Trails – Shannon Mahoney-Irish
5+ Trails – Jenessa Ables
7+ Trails – Kathy Todd
9+ Trails – Ruby Morales

The Overall Drawing Winner was Ron Langseth.

Stay tuned for details on H.A.W.K. 2.0, a winter version of the hiking program is set to launch this this year!

ALASKA POWER ASSOCIATION HOLDS 63rd ANNUAL MEETING IN VALDEZ

More than 170 people will gather in Valdez on Wednesday for three days of workshops, meetings and presentations designed to address the issues facing electric utilities in Alaska. Those in attendance will hear an update on the Allison Creek Hydroelectric Project, and some insight on what is happening with Eklutna Generation Station. These are both in addition to the host of speakers on hand with ranging areas of expertise.CLICK HERE for more information on the meeting.

VALDEZ WOMAN WINS TRUCK , TOWNE HOLDS ON TO WIN SILVER DERBY

Pictured: TC Greene of Valdez with her prize

VALDEZ, Alaska – There were not many changes on the leader board the last week of the Valdez Silver Salmon Derby or the Halibut Derby in Valdez. In the Silver Salmon Derby, a contender came in late August 28th that was two tenths of a pound shy of knocking Amanda Towne out of 1st place. Towne reeled in a 17.54 pound silver during the Women’s Derby August 9th and Paul Williams of Eagle River brought in a 17.52 pound silver on August 28th. Towne owns the distinction of being the only Women’s Silver Salmon Derby winner to also win the $15,000 cash prize in the silver derby. Williams won 2nd place and $5,000 for the fish he reeled up aboard the Silly Billy II. Greg Ledsworth of Tamarac, Florida took 3rd place in the silver derby with the 17.50 pound silver he caught from shore August 25th. The Big Prize Friday $500 winner was Nathen Ward of Fairbanks who reeled in a 14.08 pound silver August 29th aboard the Mayhem.

In the Valdez Halibut Derby, it was Scott Hebig’s 203.6 pound halibut that hung on for the 1st place $15,000 cash prize. Hebig caught his 203.6 pound halibut June 20th aboard the Amanda Rose. James McQuain of Fairbanks finished 2nd in the halibut derby with a 171.6 pound halibut he caught July 25th aboard the Dawn Treader and Jeff Maurer of Elysburg, Pennsylvania took 3rd place with the 171.4 pound halibut he caught July 17th aboard the Dawn Treader. Hebig’s halibut is the smallest halibut on record to win the Valdez Derbies, with the exception of the years when the Chamber of Commerce held a target weight derby. In 2013, the winner of the $15,000 first place prize weighed in at 325 pounds. In 2014, the 1st place winner had a fish weighing 335.7 pounds; in 2013 the winner tipped the scales at 277.2.

Every derby ticket purchased in the Valdez Derbies gives the buyer a chance to win a Ford F-150 4x4 truck from Valdez Fish Derbies and Seekins Ford. This year’s winner was T.C. Greene of Valdez.The Captain’s Prize of $500 was awarded to Dave Towne of Valdez aboard the Amanda Rose for both the halibut and silver salmon derby. Judy Bartlett sold the winning Halibut Derby ticket at the weigh-in shack and won the $500 ticket seller prize. Janis Johnson and Susie Koklich sold the winning silver derby ticket at the Prospector and will split the $500 ticket seller prize.

Next year’s dates, as well as pictures and information about the 2014 winners, can be found at www.valdezfishderbies.com.

Pictured: David Duke with his trophy size yellow eye rockfishANGLERS HOPE TO CATCH A BIG FISH BEFORE END OF DERBIES

VALDEZ, Alaska – With less than a week left in the Valdez Halibut and Silver Salmon Derbies, it would seem that there’s a good chance of the leaders being knocked off the board in the Halibut and Silver Salmon Derbies …that is, if history is any indication.

If Scott Hebig’s 203.6 pound halibut takes 1st place in the derby, it will be the smallest halibut on record to win the Valdez Derbies, with the exception of the years when the Chamber of Commerce held a target weight derby. In 2013, the winner of the $15,000 first place prize weighed in at 325 pounds. In 2014, the 1st place winner had a fish weighing 335.7 pounds; in 2013 the winner tipped the scales at 277.2.

In the silver salmon derby, Amanda Towne’s 17.54 pound silver would be a respectable fish to win the Valdez Silver Derby, but a Valdez Women’s Silver Salmon Derby winner has never held on until the end of the derby. In 2013, the silver that took the big cash prize of $15,000 weighed in at 16.92. In 2012, the Silver Derby winner was 17.88. From 2008 through 2011, the 1st place winner weighed in at: 22.14 (2008), 22.14 (2009), 19.10 (2010) and 18.68 (2009).

The overall size of both halibut and silver salmon being brought in seems to be large this year, even though the silver fishing has been a bit slow. And anglers have brought in some sizeable ling cod and rock fish. David Duke reeled in a trophy yellow eye rockfish this past week while aboard a halibut charterCLICK HERE to read the entire press release.

DISTRICT 9 RESULTS AND CANDIDATES FOR THE VALDEZ MUNICIPIAL ELECTION FINALIZED
Results are in from the Alaska State Primary Election held last Tuesday. Nearly 3,000 voters turned out from District 9, and elected Jim Colver as the Republican Representative for House who will be running against Democratic candidate Mabel Wimmer. Wimmer ran unopposed in the Primary Election. Jim Colver beat out both the incumbent Eric Feige and George Rauscher with a total of 1,140 votes or about 39 percent.
The Valdez Municipal elections will be held Tuesday, October 7th for the positions of Mayor, City Council and Valdez City School Board. Three positions will be opening on the City Council with the term expiration of Council Members: Nate Smith, Donna Schantz and Chris Moulton. Nate Smith and Chris Moulton will both be on the ballet for an additional term along with new comer Jim Shirrell. The three expiring terms for the School Board include the current president and vice president Anita Fannin, Dawn Farmer, joins Dan Walker. Darryl Verfaillie, William Comer and Bill Connell will be on the ballet for October. The two candidates who hope to secure the position as Mayor this fall are Richard Long and Larry Weaver.CLICK HERE to view the official results from the State of Alaska Primary Election

2014 SCHOOL CLIMATE AND CONNECTEDNESS SURVEY RESULTS
Valdez students and staff participated in the yearly statewide survey, which measures how the school climate is perceived. The survey seeks to determine how connected the students feel to adults and their peers in a way that directly correlates to how they perform in school. This includes the students and staff reporting on how many times they’ve witnessed students participating in risky behaviors like drug and alcohol use. Results from students showed a significant increase in student ratings over last year in the areas of: School Safety, Peer Climate, Caring Adults, and Parent and Community Involvement. The areas of noteworthy decline over the previous year were in the categories of: High Expectations, School Leadership and Student Involvement, and Respectful Climate. The staff results showed increased ratings in every category surveyed. However, students and staff results concurred that there was a considerable increase in reports of delinquent behavior at school and during school events. Students added that this included the use of drugs and alcohol, while staff reports disagreed. CLICK HERE to read the entire report.

NO PETITIONS OUT FOR SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES WITH DEADLINE QUICKLY APPROACHING
The deadline for nominating petitions for the offices of Mayor, City Council and School Board is THIS Friday, August 15th at 5:00 p.m.. Petitions may be obtained at City Clerk's Office. The local election will be held October 7, 2014.

As of Friday, August 8, 2014 the status of candidates are as follows:Mayor
Alex Woolf - petition out
Jim Shirrell - petition out
Rich Long -petition out

City Council
Nate Smith - filed petition
Chris Moulton - petition out
Jim Shirrell - petition out
John May - petition out
Rich Long - petition out
Anna Lischka - petition out

School Board
No petitions out

To view the official notice of regular and school board election for the city of Valdez.CLICK HERE

Copper Valley Electric Association is accepting sealed bids for the sale of various vehicles and equipment. Items may be inspected at the CVEA office in Glennallen 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., August 11-21, 2014. Bid packets will be available at the CVEA offices in Glennallen and Valdez, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., August 11-21, 2014. Bid packets will also be available at www.cvea.org. Bids will only be accepted if submitted on the official bid form included in the bid packets. Bids will be accepted at either CVEA office until Thursday, August 21, 2014 at 5 p.m. Bids will be opened and awarded on Friday, August 22, 2014. Items will be sold as is, where is, and with no warranty.

CVEA reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

COAST GUARD RESPONDS TO CAPSIZED VESSEL IN PRINCE WILLIAM SOUNDValdez, Alaska – The Coast Guard responded to a 40-foot fishing vessel capsized in Prince William Sound, Monday, August 4, 2014. At approximately 5:00 p.m. Monday, Coast Guard Sector Anchorage received a report that the seine fishing vessel Auriga capsized while seeking shelter from the weather to the West of Unakwik Inlet with four people on board. The vessel was fishing in the vicinity of Eaglek Bay when a storm approached from the Southeast.CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE PRESS RELEASE

VALDEZ STOL COMPETITION GOES NATIONWIDE

Thirteen pilots from across the country showed off their Valdez STOL (short takeoff and landing) demonstration in a fierce competition at one of the nation’s biggest airshows. The Air Venture 2014 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin debuted the typically unique to Valdez competition to a massive audience topping over 500,000 spectators.CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE STORY

ALLISON CREEK HYDRO
On the afternoon of July 29th, Copper Valley Electric took a selected group of people to the construction site of the Allison Creek Hydroelectric Plant. At the gathering Copper Valley representatives thanked the supporters and discussed the history and progress of the hydro plant construction. Speakers included CVEA Chief Executive Officer Robert Wilkinson, CVEA Board of Directors President Will Stark, and CVEA Executive Engineer John Duhamel. Also in appearance to show support of the construction were the McMillen family of McMillen LLC, a representative of Senator Mark Begich, and AEA Deputy Director Sandra Moller. Concluding the ceremony the group was shuttled to the Solomon Gulch Hydro Facility for an ending reception.